With the celebrations almost here for the 50th anniversary of Doctor Who, it’s now time to see how the story began, how 50 years of the Doctor came to be in the BBC’s documentary drama, “An Adventure in Space and Time“.
Some time back I mentioned this documentary in an article I did about the anniversary and the news that David Bradely would be playing William Hartnell, the first incarnation of one of the most loved British characters and also loved around the world, Doctor Who.
It all started out as a mild curiosity in the junkyard, and now it’s turned out to be quite a great spirit of adventure. – The Doctor
Doctor Who?
Taking us back to 1963, An Adventure and Space and Time brought us the beginning of our British Institution, Doctor Who, in a time when space travel had become real and the world was watching the stars, a series was being developed, a series that would really stand the test of time.
We are introduced to the William Hartnell a few years after the TV show, then we go back to the very beginning where a young producer Verity Lambert (Jessica Raine) who is frustrated by TV and an unhappy actor with his career come together for Doctor Who.
I have to say that the show An Adventure in Space and Time is a masterpiece, the cast throughout are superb all bringing back the feel of 1960s television and how women were treated in higher positions.
Bradley is spot on as Hartnell and has an uncanny resemblance to him.
Hartnell wasn’t sure about taking on another long show after spending so much time on The Army Game, but let’s face it, what a brilliant choice he made for us.
The creation of the opening credits, the theme music, the ups and downs all brought together in this wonderful documentary drama, I love that it was made as a children’s show, oh if they only knew what they were creating.
The documentary was written by Mark Gatiss was 90 minutes of magical TV history, it’s great to learn more about Hartnell and how the Doctor came to life, for a lot of us, Doctor Who is part of our lives, who doesn’t recognise the TARDIS when they see it!
An Adventure in Space and Time certainly an eye opener, a wonderful start to the celebrations for the 50th anniversary.
Top marks to the BBC and Mark Gatiss, superb just superb. Look out for a lovely cameo from …… Spoilers sweetie..
One day, I shall come back. Yes, I shall come back. Until then, there must be no regrets, no tears, no anxieties. Just go forward in all your beliefs, and prove to me I am not mistaken in mine. – The Doctor
Karen Woodham is the founder and owner of the Blazing Minds. She is also a Cinema reviewer and works with RealD 3D reviewing the latest 3D releases and IMAX, she has also had several articles published in various publications including the first edition of SFW Magazine. In 2015 she became an Award Winning Blogger and also has her website listed as one of the UK’s Top 10 Film Blogs.
